In Sight—Forming a Film for Irritation-free Hair Removal

By: Katie Anderson (Schaefer), Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: June 4, 2012, from the June 2012 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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“We wanted to avoid a thicker layer because the cream had to remove the hair as close to the skin surface as possible or [consumers] would not see results.” As directed, the balm is thus applied in circles to raise the hair slightly.

Future Developments

The two-step hair removal system was formulated for fine to medium hair; however, the company has found that 10–30% of women report having coarse hair, which could be higher depending upon how many women admit it.

“We know there is a range of hair textures, so we decided to take this technology and adapt it for coarse hair,” said Morris. To address coarse hair, the company adjusted the levels of calcium hydroxide in the hair removal cream.

“We took the same principle and rebalanced the formulation with calcium hydroxide so that we could increase the level of thioglycolate,” explained Morris, who furthered the thioglycolate had to be more fully deprotinated or more active. In addition, the company added sodium silicate to enhance efficacy, as it balances the thioglycolate phase.

The technology of preventing irritation before hair removal has potential in other sensitive skin areas, according to Morris, who could not discuss the specifics.